ReflecToes Socks are unique sports socks that reflect oncoming light, making you easier to spot. Find out how ReflecToes Socks work today in our review.
What Are ReflecToes Socks?
ReflecToes Socks are a project that just launched on Kickstarter. The socks had a modest goal of $3,000, and that goal was met soon after launch. The socks are designed to reflect oncoming light. Leg motion catches the eyes of drivers, making cyclists and runners easily distinguishable.
The socks are made by Greensboro, North Carolina entrepreneur Ben O’Brien. They’re targeted towards anyone who bikes, runs, or walks at night. The socks make you more visible without the need to wear awkward reflective gear or attach lights to your bike (although you should probably still have lights on your bike).
Each pair of socks is priced at around $14. Your purchase also comes with reflective stickers to place all over your bike. The final retail price for the socks is estimated at $28.
How Do ReflecToes Socks Work?
ReflecToes Socks use thousands of tiny mirrors that work as spherical “retro reflectors” (like a cat’s eye). This reflects light back to the source. Your ankles are illuminated, so other drivers can see you.
Now, this technology isn’t totally unique: you can buy socks made from reflective yarn anywhere. However, reflective yarn has a big problem. It’s not comfortable against the skin. ReflecToes Socks promise to solve that problem by being comfortable, technically-designed, and soft against the skin.
One of the benefits of ReflecToes socks is that drivers are more likely to recognize you as a human being when they see your reflected feet moving. Drivers see the motion of your feet instead of a fixed point of light (like a light on the back of your helmet or bike). Whether you’re running or cycling, your feet are constantly waving a signal telling people you’re there.
ReflecToes Socks Features
The socks come with all of the following features:
- Mesh knit vents for better airflow
- Heel lock technology
- Moisture wicking yarn
- Arch support compression (there’s a band of compression material around the arch of your foot)
- Durable up to 50 washes
- Motion and visibility science (your feet move more than other parts of your body when cycling or running, which enhances your visibility and allows drivers to recognize you as a human being, not as a stationary point of unidentified light)
The fact that you can wash ReflecToes Socks is a big deal. One of the reasons there aren’t more similar socks on the market is because reflective heat transfers (like an iron-on decal) are notoriously difficult to wash on stretchy material.
The makers of ReflecToes claims that they’ve “worked hard on the design and materials to bring a wash-durable reflective sock to athletes.”
Who Made ReflecToes Socks?
ReflecToes Socks were created by North Carolina-based entrepreneur Ben O’Brien. Between 2010 and 2015, Ben worked in product development for Avery Dennison’s Apparel Heat Transfer Labels Group.
While there, he developed new reflective materials and adhesives for small logos – including logos used by brands like Nike or Under Armour. He was left with a bunch of extra logos to take home. He and his son also spent a lot of time running or walking at night. For safety, he plastered the extra logos all over their existing running gear and apparel. That’s where the idea was born for ReflecToes Socks.
Today, Ben claims he has partnered “with a well-known manufacturer” to bring the night visibility sports sock to market.
Ben launched his Kickstarter in June 2017. He plans to deliver the first pairs of socks by July 2017. The Kickstarter had a goal of $3,000. As of June 9, 2017, the project had received $5,392 in funding from 133 backers with 12 days to go.
ReflecToes Socks Pricing
ReflecToes Socks are currently available for purchase through Kickstarter. Here’s how pricing breaks down:
- 1 Pair of ReflecToes: $14
- 2 Pairs: $25
- 3 Pairs: $35
- 6 Pairs: $60
- 10 Pairs: $100
- 20 Pairs: $180
All purchases also come with a pack of reflective stickers and reflective sticker strips. You can place the reflective stickers on your bike or gear, then place reflective sticker strips on your pedals.
The final MSRP (retail price) will be $29. Early bird pricing dropped the socks to as little as $12 per pair, although that offer has since been claimed.
Shipping is available across the United States and to international destinations.
After you purchase your pair of socks, you’ll receive a survey asking which sizes you would like. The survey just asks for your shoe size. Only one color (black) is available.
ReflecToes Socks Review Summary
Whether you run, walk, or cycle at night, reflective gear can be the difference between life and death. ReflecToes Socks are unique sports socks that feature bright iron-on decals across the top of the socks.
The movement of your feet helps drivers recognize you as a human being – so instead of seeing a fixed point of light, they’ll see your moving feet and recognize that it’s somebody running.
Ultimately, priced at $14, ReflecToes Socks are an investment that makes you significantly safer while running, walking, or cycling at night. You can buy them online through Kickstarter today.
